Philippines – A dispute over P10 in loose change turned deadly inside Las Piñas National High School Main (LPNHS) last week, leaving a 13-year-old student dead. The boy was fatally stabbed by his 14-year-old classmate, who reportedly accused him of failing to return the change from a bottled water purchase at the school canteen.
According to a news report, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a statement on Sunday expressing grief over the death and pledging support to those affected.
DepEd Breaks Silence
The Education Department did not hold back in condemning the killing. In its statement, DepEd said it “mourns the heartbreaking loss of our learner” and offered its condolences to the victim’s family and the school community.
The agency was firm on the bigger issue at hand. “Schools must be sanctuaries. Violence on our campus is unacceptable and demands accountability and collective action,” DepEd said.
What the Department Is Doing
DepEd laid out concrete steps it is taking in response to the incident. These include:
- Extending full support to the victim’s family
- Deploying trauma counseling for affected learners and staff
- Cooperating fully with law enforcement
- Conducting a thorough review of campus security protocols
The department stressed that keeping young people safe is not the job of schools alone. It called for a united effort among schools, families, communities, and law enforcement, while renewing its promise to make campuses safe spaces for children.
Family Seeks Justice, Points to School Lapses
For the grieving family, condolences are not enough. In a report aired on “24 Oras,” relatives said they are demanding justice and plan to file charges against the teenage suspect.
They also raised hard questions about the school itself. One glaring concern was the absence of a nurse on duty at the time of the attack — a lapse the family believes may have cost precious moments during the emergency.
Where the Suspect Stands Now
The 14-year-old suspect is now classified as a child in conflict with the law (CICL). He has been placed under the custody of Bahay Pag-Asa, where he is undergoing evaluation.
The case has once again put a spotlight on campus safety across the country, a worry that hits close to home for many Filipino parents working abroad who count on schools to protect their children while they are away.